Warm morning. I went to the Office, leaving my father at home with Mr. Degrand. Engaged in writing and Accounts but had time to be able to accomplish one or two Chapters of Mackintosh’s third volume. He treats of Mary of Scotland without any of the chivalrous spirit which has led so many to defend her. I think he is right. The woman who could marry her husband’s murderer in a few short months after the deed can have had no moral sense, and the excuse of a Queen’s violation is merely adding one crime to another. It is a very false notion of honor to defend such acts let a female’s beauty plead ever so strongly. What is the moral influence of palliating these crimes? Are women more chaste, when they see an excuse of force readily admitted? Every female will plead force.

Paid a visit to Mrs. Sidney Brooks but was not admitted. After dinner, my father went to Quincy in my Gig with me. He proposes to make an experiment of the residence for a day or two. If too lonely, he will come in to see us. I remained with him until six when I returned home. Quiet evening.

Fine morning. I did not attend Divine Service today, but went with my Wife to Medford to Mr. Brooks’. Found the family consisting of himself, his son Gorham and his Wife very well. Dined and spent the day. The house seems to go through as many phases as it has new Tenants. They were pleasant. Took a walk down the bank of the Canal.1 It is picturesque, but the Country still has a bleak look. Not a leaf to be seen and the grass barely turning. Mr. Shepherd and P. C. Brooks Jr. came in the Afternoon. We left just after tea and got home shortly after Sunset.

I read a long Sermon of Massillon’s upon the Passion of the Saviour. John 18. 37. “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth.” He considered it, 1. as a manifestation of the obstinacy of the world to oppose the truth, 2. as the greatest evidence of that truth. His divisions are again subdivided. I think the first portion of the Sermon exceedingly powerful. It shows a keen insight into the weakness of human nature, and the precious sophistry which is perpetually employed to cover its indulgence. Nothing else but the Connoisseur.